The process, first revealed by PRWeek (20 November 2009), has led to the
promotion of director of strategy and public affairs Jenny Crighton to
the role of director of comms.

The LGA has also confirmed that about 13 roles will be made redundant
from its 50-strong comms team by April, with some staff anticipated to
take voluntary redundancy.

One of the key changes to the LGA's comms structure is the creation of a
member communications team, which will provide PR assistance to its
member councils.

The team will be headed by Annalisa Yeowell, who moves across from the
Improvement and Development Agency (IDeA), where she was strategic
communications manager.

Other high-profile promotions include media and public affairs director
Iain Wilton to the temporary position of programme director for
corporate affairs, and Paul Comer to programme director for local
government comms.

The restructuring will see all LGA Group organisations centralised under
a single comms function.

This includes the LGA, IDeA, Local Authorities Co-ordinators of
Regulatory Services and Leadership Centre & Local Government
Employers.

In November, Wilton explained the move: 'It's part of a process of
getting closer together across the LGA Group.

'It's all about improving co-ordination of services and looking at
options for consolidation across the group.'

Richard Stokoe will change his role from head of news to head of media,
and Emily Robinson will change from public affairs consultant to head of
public affairs.